Feeling Ill? Don’t Self Diagnose

I love the internet. I love learning about anything and everything without having to go to the library as much anymore. One problem that stems from this love is that anytime I feel like I am getting sick, I begin to research my symptoms and then rush to the doctor's office thinking I have something much worse than I do. Last time I had a sore throat I was convinced I had throat cancer. It turned out to be just a cold. I also once had a skin condition that I self-diagnosed as psoriasis that turned out to be just a reaction to a new soap I was using. I created this blog to remind others that even though the internet is a great place to learn general health care advice, they shouldn't self diagnose specific problems without visiting an actual doctor. They are still just as important as ever!

Helpful Information About Breast Cancer & Getting Diagnosed

Posted on:
22 April 2016

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Do you have a lump in one of your breasts that you are concerned about? It is important for you to get the breast examined by a specialist as soon as possible because lumps are one of the common symptoms that are associated with breast cancer. Take a look at the article below to gain a better understanding about breast cancer and what a specialist might do to diagnose it.

What is the Cause of Breast Cancer?

There are a few things that can increase your risk of getting breast cancer. It is possible to get the disease due to it being in your genes, such as your family has a history of getting breast cancer. Breast cancer can also develop from acquiring mutated genes, which can happen if you are exposed to a chemical that causes cancer. Your age is another thing that can factor into your risk of getting breast cancer, such as if you are over 50 years old. Estrogen is also linked to causing breast cancer when there are high levels of it in the body.

Are There Symptoms Other Than Lumps?

You might experience some pain in the affected breast if cancerous cells are present. However, you should keep in mind that it is not common for breast cancer lumps to cause much pain. You might simply experience a prickly sensation where the lump is located. If there is a lump in an area of your breast that is not near the surface of your skin, you might notice that your skin is slightly indented. A clear or colored discharge can also seep out of your nipple when breast cancer is present, but you should get properly diagnosed because discharge does not always mean that you have cancer.

How Can Breast Cancer Get Diagnosed?

A specialist is likely to diagnose breast cancer via scans that are called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). Basically, a PET/CT scan will assist the specialist with locating the exact areas of your breast that cancer is present, which can be helpful for treatment. He or she will also be able to examine the scan to determine how far along the breast cancer has progressed. A PET/CT scan is helpful after a diagnosis has been made as well because it shows if treatment is actually working or not. Make an appointment with a specialist so he or she can perform a PET/Ct scan to find out if you have breast cancer.